Steve Willis

Last updated

Steve Willis
Steve Willis (17573316156).jpg
Willis at the 2015 InStyle Awards
Born (1976-06-05) 5 June 1976 (age 48)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Other namesCommando Steve
Occupations
  • Personal trainer
  • author
  • television personality
Known for The Biggest Loser
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Children4

Steve Willis (born 5 June 1976), also known as Commando Steve, is an Australian personal trainer, author and television personality. He appeared on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser as a trainer from 2007 to 2015.

Contents

Early life

Willis was born in Brisbane, Queensland, but grew up in Redcliffe. He is the eldest of four brothers. [1]

Willis initially wanted to be a builder, [1] but he joined the army in the 1990s. [2] He started out in the Infantry, before being posted to the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment as a fitness instructor (later 2nd Commando Regiment). [1] Willis left the army in 2004 (the 4th Battalion converted to a special forces unit on 1 February 1997, and was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment on 19 June 2009). While working as a labourer, he studied personal training and specialises in CrossFit. Willis also competes in CrossFit Games. During a 2009 CrossFit competition, he came fourth out of 75 male competitors. [2]

Television career

In 2007, Willis joined the cast of The Biggest Loser as a trainer. [3] Willis was known for wearing dark sunglasses, camo pants, and a black sleeveless shirt. [4] Rarely smiling on the show, his motto was "there are no excuses". [4] Speaking to Nick Galvin of The Sydney Morning Herald , Willis said, "When it comes to the training and my ethos, Steve Willis and the screen persona 'The Commando' are the same person. I believe passionately in what I do". [4] Willis chose to depart The Biggest Loser after the tenth season aired in 2015. [5]

In May 2018, Willis made his acting debut in television soap opera Home and Away , with a guest appearance as an AFP trainer. [6] Two months later, it was confirmed that Willis had joined the cast of Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders , which began airing in August. [7] Willis became the 18th person eliminated from the show, and the 5th jury member. [8]

Personal life

Willis was in a relationship with fellow Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges. [9] Bridges gave birth to their first child, a son, in 2015. [10] Willis has three more children from previous relationships. [11]

Bibliography

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Doherty, Megan (9 February 2014). "Steve Willis: A perfect fit?". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  2. 1 2 McInerney, Sarah (16 March 2010). "Commando Steve's training tips". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  3. Knox, David (20 January 2014). "Steve Willis, Commando with heart". TV Tonight . Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 Galvin, Nick (8 March 2011). "Could you handle training on The Biggest Loser?". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  5. Dunk, Tiffany (11 September 2016). "The Biggest Loser will return in 2017 on Ten but with a new look, and weightloss focus". news.com.au . Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  6. James, Faye (28 May 2018). "The Commando's huge Hollywood news". New Idea . Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  7. Knox, David (23 July 2018). "Steve Willis joins Australian Survivor". TV Tonight . Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  8. Burke, Tina (26 September 2018). "Exclusive: Commando Steve Willis becomes the 18th person eliminated from Australian Survivor". TV Week . Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  9. Sutton, Candace (27 January 2020). "Celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges confirms split with 'Commando' before drink-driving charge". News.com.au . Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  10. Clarke, Jenna (17 April 2016). "Michelle Bridges and Commando reveal how they fell in love". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  11. "Live chat with Commando Steve from The Biggest Loser". The Sydney Morning Herald . 16 March 2010. Retrieved 25 March 2013.